MINE TO CLAIM

TITLE: A SHOT OF TENSION.

SPRINGFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Ava walked into the hospital, exchanging warm smiles with her colleagues as she made way to the Nurse’s station, she clocked into her morning shift, the hospital was a bustling hub of activities with the doctors and nurses rushing to attend to the patient’s needs.

Ava is a skilled, compassionate and courageous nurse, loved by her patients and respected by her peers. She worked passionately and seamlessly with her team, their banter and laughter filling the corridors as they went about their duties.

Unfortunately not everyone was a fan of Ava’s cheerful and compassionate nature. Her colleague Nurse Kendra resented Ava’s relaxed approach to patient care and seems to take pleasure in making Ava’s life difficult.

Nurse Kendra, a tall blonde woman, with a light-toned skin, dark brown eyes, slim yet curvy figure. She Carrie’s herself with an aura of pride and confidence, as the daughter of the director. She derives pleasure in bullying her colleagues and anyone who defies her and not do her bidding is prone to get sacked. And now it seems Ava was her new target.

She hates the facts that everyone adored Ava like a queen, the patients prefer she looks after them than other nurses, even her father seem to compare her and indulge her to learn from Ava, this ignited the firework of hatred and disgust for Ava.

Just as Ava began her rounds, Kendra intercepted her in a corner, a scowl etched on her face. “Ava, I have been noticing that you have been deviating from protocol again.” Kendra said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ava’s eyes narrowed, she knew better not to fall into Kendra’s trap as she now the new target on her black list. “ I’m providing quality care, Kendra. That’s all that matters.” She said with a calm tone, locking her gaze with Kendra’s.

“You’re going to get yourself sued and fired one of these days. Mark my words.” Kendra sneered.

That was it, Ava’s patience snapped. “Maybe you should focus on providing actual care abd working on your empathy level instead of just dumbly criticizing others.” She shor back, heads on with Kendra, her voice rising.

The Tension between them was palpable, with their colleagues watching the exchange with interest, no one has seen Ava lose her cool, she was always calm and collected but now Kendra has provoked the tigress by stepping in her temples. Kendra’s face turned red with anger she has never been challenged by anyone because they fear her but this lady before her stood her ground, refusing to back down.

“What’s going on here?”. A voice asked from behind, Mrs Thompson, their supervisor appeared with a stern expression on her face, her gaze flicking between Ava and Kendra.

Ava took a deep breath, composing herself and plattering a soft smile turned to her. “It’s just a disagreement about patient care, no big deal, Mrs Thompson.”

Mrs Thompson’s gaze lingered on Kendra who nonchalantly ignored her as she stared murderously at Ava.

“I trust your judgment, Ava, carry on.” She said and walked away. Kendra shot Ava a venomous look, “I’m watching you.” Before walking away, Ava watched her walk away, a mixture of frustration and satisfaction swirling in her chest.

“Did you see Kendra’s face? Ava did put her in her place.” Nurse Lelia whispered to her colleague Emily.

“Kendra thought no one can ever stand up to her but Ava showed her she’s not someone to mess with.” Emily said in giggles.

Ava rolled her eyes, now she is going to be the center of attention and gossip for the whole day, she was trying to avoid it but Kendra was a thorn on her flesh.

“Hi Ava, you were so cool with Kendra.” Nurse Lelia said, giving her a thumbs up. Ava just smiled at her, and made her way to the intensive unit as their gossips and giggles faded away behind her.

~~~~~~~~~

It was midday, Ava was done attending to her patients and was on the counter, going through some patients files. The silent corridor started bustling with squeals and giggles.

A man walked in with an aura of confidence that commands attention, his short brown hair neatly styled, with his blue shirt perfectly complimenting his chiseled features, his tailored black trouser solemnly fitted on his small waist, he stood around 6’4feet tall with a lean athletic build, a strong jawline and a piercing black eyes that seems alluring to behold and a small scar above his left eyebrow which he had gotten a few years ago in a bar fight, despite his rugged good looks, Leandro was a total romantic at heart.

“Who is this gorgeous man?, definitely my type.” One of the nurses squealed in delight.

“Oh, so handsome, I guess he is here for me.” Nurse Lelia said blushing.

“Come on Lelia, you can never get this kind of man.” Nurse Emily shot at her.

“What is that supposed to mean Emily?”. Nurse Lelia asked glaring at her.

“Sorry ladies, please where is Nurse Ava?”. Leandro asked in a soft, soothing voice.

Ava turned swiftly at the mention of her name, then behold Leandro was before abet with a bouquet of sunflowers and a soft smile plastered on his face .

“Hey beautiful, I brought your favorite flowers.” Leandro said and handed the flowers to her, she took it with a charming smile. “Thank you.”

“I figured you could use a pick-me-up after a long shift.” Leandro said, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Plus, I wanted to take you out for a special treat. And we have a cake tasting and a wine tasting scheduled for today.”

“Oh, I almost forgot about that, it’s been a hectic day.” Ava sighed tired already.

“So shall we?.”

“I have to clock out and take permission from my supervisor.” Ava said as she pulled his arms from her waist.

Leandro pulled her closer to his embrace, “ You don’t need to worry about that, I called your director already and he gave you a two days leave, so we could plan our wedding.” Leandro said, locking his gaze with hers. Ava’s pupils dilated on suspicion . “But………….

“No buts, let go.” He said and dragged her out of the hospital.

“Ava had a great taste in men.” Nurse Emily said smiling.

“She stole my dream man.” Nurse Lelia sneered, earning a glare from Emily.

“I heard Ava is getting married in three weeks, and that’s her fiancé.” Nurse lily said from behind.

“What?.” They chorused in shock.

“She didn’t tell anyone about her wedding, or she don’t want to invite us?.” Nurse Lelia asked in surprise.

“You know Ava likes keeping things low, I guess she has her reasons and will let us know when she’s ready.” Nurse Emily said.

“Do you know who her fiancé is?”.

“He is Leandro McCarthy, CEO of NOVASPIRE Tech.” Nurse lily replied, pulling out her phone to show them his profile.

“Wait, what?, Leandro McCarthy, one in the top 100 wealthiest billionaire bachelor in Northshore City is Ava’s fiance?”.

“Damn, Ava is so lucky. I wish I can be like her.” Nurse Emily said, dreamily.

At the corner, unknown to the nurses, Kendra stood, clenching her fist in rage, she heard everything the nurses said, this fueled her hatred for Ava more.

“Who does Ava think she is to get all good things of life.” She gritted her teeth in despair.

“Let’s see if you will be able to keep getting away with this.”

Outside the hospital, just as Ava was about to enter Leandro’s Car, she noticed a pair of eyes watching them from across the street. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized who it was— Dario Santos, standing in the shadows, his eyes fixed intensely on her.

Ava’s heart skipped a beat, as she quickly looked away and entered the car, hoping Leandro hadn’t noticed, but as they drove away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Dario’s eyes were still on her, watching her every mov